The Mary Book Reader

Friday, May 31, 2013

Architect Vance Nolan has crafted a
marvel—shining apartments floating in the peaceful cove of a winding river. The
project is partially occupied and about to make investors rich when a sinkhole
gives way.

Torrential rains quickly flood the cove,
leaving a handful of builders, investors, and residents cut off from the rest of
the world.

The motley group is bitterly divided over how
to survive.

Vance insists they wait for rescue. Developer
Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single-mom Danielle
Clement, obligated to each man and desperate to protect her young son, Simeon,
isn’t sure which one is wiser.

Erin Healy writes supernatural suspense novels from a
Christian worldview. Her books explore what it means to be a spiritual being in
a physical world, and a physical creature in a spiritual world. She is an
award-winning fiction editor who worked with Ted Dekker on more than a dozen of
his stories before their collaboration on KISS and BURN. She owns WordWright
Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development.
Her latest novel, AFLOAT, releases May 7, 2013.Learn more about her books at erinhealy.com.

I am so sad to have to write this review, I
like to read a book and enjoy it and share it with others but to be very honest
with you this book is not one that I want to share with
others.

While the emotional story I thought would have
been very good it was very hard to read the author wrote in such away that my
imagination could not hold it all.

it was way to unrealistic for me. This is just
my opinion.

I have to give this book 3 stars and I am sorry
Erin fans.

I was given a copy of this book by the
publisher for my honest review.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Book 5 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial
novel. In A Revelation in Autumn, part five of New York Times
Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter’s The Discovery--A Lancaster County
Saga, Meredith Stoltzfus becomes closer to Jonah Miller and agrees to marry him
in the spring of next year. About the same time, Luke, who is called “Eddie” by
his nurse, is grateful for the nurse’s grandparents who kindly take him in.
Maybe living in a home-type atmosphere will help him regain his memory. Can he
put the pieces of his past back together and return home in time—before he loses
Meredith again?

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions
of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 60
books with more than 6 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the
top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's
Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish
fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including
Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her
husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a
Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused
Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have
become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to
explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great
grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately
portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by
the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the
people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout
Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family
ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their
peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast
to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and
time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers
will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Well here we are again, Wanda has wrote another short book and left
me begging for more. I can't wait to see what happens to Luke now.The Lancaster
County Sagas have been so good, it just kills me to have to wait for the last
one.

I am here to tell you if you have not bought and read the first 5
books in the 6 book series you better hurry up because the last one comes out
in the next few weeks. You do NOT want to miss these books.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this
book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest
review.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Despite a bustling day care center and a new foster child, Terri
Hayes hungers for a family of her own. Then a plumbing mishap leaves her
homeless and questioning God's plan. Steve Evans's gracious offer of his
basement apartment as a temporary solution is an answered prayer.

Steve
is a successful writer and a good father, but Terri is horrified when Steve's
book research leads him to a harsh confrontation with the parents of her foster
child. She needs to distance herself from Steve, but her efforts fall short as
his two scheming daughters plot to make Terri their new stepmother.

Will
harsh words and sneaky plans drive a family further apart and put a wedge
between Terri and Steve, or does God have another plan in store?

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She
is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and
three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is
traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently
serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon's previous writing credits
include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.

This is the second book I have read by Sharon. I really enjoyed
Callie!

So when I was asked to review book two in the Women of Valley View,
I was happy to say YES!

I enjoyed the characters and the story. I loved reading about the
foster care as well.

I would love to have lived in Valley View I would have moved Terri
in with me.

Steve and Terri should they fall in love or leave it alone? You
must pick up a copy of this book to answer that question.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Michelle Baron should be reveling in her new life in Sandy Cove,
Oregon. From the outside, it all looks idyllic. A newlywed settling into a
quaint coastal town, her husband establishing himself as a junior partner in a
law firm-what more could she want? But a series of disturbing nightmares haunts
Michelle. Her quest to understand these dreams leads her to the New World
bookstore, where she begins a spiritual journey that will challenge her
Christian heritage as well as her marriage.

Rosemary Hines writes contemporary, suspenseful fiction from a Christian
worldview. Her characters and their struggles and triumphs reflect life in our
21st century culture in America. Boldly tackling tough subjects such as suicide,
abortion, and the ever-increasing efforts of secular society to silence the
faith of many, she is known for her sensitive approach and strong messages of
hope and redemption. Rosemary taught writing at a secondary level for fifteen
years. Her books have been reviewed and recommended at Christian conferences
across the United States. Active in her church as a Sunday school teacher and a
women's Bible study leader, she and her husband have also served as missionaries
in Ukraine, delivering humanitarian relief to orphanages and hospitals. They
reside in Southern California where they enjoy spending time with their grown
children and grandchildren. For more information about Rosemary and her
books,
visit:http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/73720-5stars-author-inspirational-contemporary-christian-fiction-books.htmlwww.rosemaryhines.com
https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHinesAuthorPage

This was my first book by Rosemary but not my last, don't worry I
have the other two books in the Sandy Cove series to read and
review.

I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

It is a story that touches on many different emotional things that
we need to read about, like love,forgiveness, it has some suspense and it has
some conflicts.

I really enjoyed Rosemary's writing and can't wait to read the next
book in the series Through the Tears.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings inspirational romance to life in this sweet tale of love in the Amish community, Ray of Light, the second installment of her Days of Redemption series.

Roman Keim just wants a break from the family drama at his snowy Ohio home when he heads to an Amish snowbird community in Florida. There he meets Amanda Yoder and her daughter Regina who soon are warming his heart. But will Roman return to Ohio or will he stay and help the young widow embrace a second chance at love?

The author of the series Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers an honest, tender love story in Ray of Light, featuring the challenges of faith, family, and romance.

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.

You might want to add this book to your summer reading pile. It was a good fast read as most of Shelley's books are. This is a book that will leave you wanting more and you may end up mad that you have to wait on the next book to come out.

If you are a Amish book lover then you really should pick up this book. It is book two in the Days of Redemption series.

I love the characters are easy to fall in love with,and the romance is just enough to please the romance book lovers.

I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend picking a copy up to read on the beach!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

After growing up an only child, Amanda Lisandra wants a big family.
But since she and her soldier husband can’t afford to have more children right
away, Mandy decides to earn money as a gestational carrier for a childless
couple. She loves being pregnant, and while carrying the child, she dreams of
having her own son and maybe another daughter. . . .

Just when the nearly perfect pregnancy is about to conclude,
unexpected tragedy enters Mandy’s world and leaves her reeling. Devastated by
grief, she surrenders the child she was carrying and struggles to regain her
emotional equilibrium.

Two years later she studies a photograph of the baby she bore and
wonders if the unthinkable has happened—could she have inadvertently given away
her own biological child? Over the next few months Mandy struggles to decide
between the desires of her grief-stricken heart and what’s best for the little
boy she has never known.

With more than four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt
is the bestselling author of more than one hundred titles, including The Tale
of Three Trees, The Note, and The Nativity Story. Her
nonfiction book Don’t Bet Against Me, written with Deanna Favre, spent
several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Angela frequently
teaches writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences, and she served as
the keynote speaker at an American Christian Fiction Writers’ national
conference. She and her husband make their home in Florida.

Well let me start by saying I love Angela's books, my favorite
being The Note.

This one was true to Angela form, it is a book you can not put
down.

I had a very hard time with the decision Mandy had to make towards
the end of the book, I have thought about it many times since I have finished
the book and it is NOT one that I would have or could have made that is for
sure.

I hope that you if you buy a copy of this book and read and enjoy
it as I did you will let me know if you would have made the same very hard
decision that Mandy made.

I recommend this book.

I gave the book 4 stars.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest
review.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Dr. Kendall Haynes’s plans to have it all—a
career, a husband, a family—are eluding her. Now that she’s thirty-six, she
needs to stop wishing upon a star and face reality: Some dreams just never come
true.

Air Force pilot Griffin Walker prefers flying
solo in the air and on the ground—until a dangerous choice ejects him from the
cockpit. His life becomes even more complicated after the sudden death of his
parents makes him the guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother. There’s no way
his life will ever get back on course now.

When their lives collide during a near tragedy,
Kendall and Griffin must decide if they can embrace the unexpected changes God
has waiting for them.

Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author
and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an air force
physician who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a
mom of four who said she’d never have kids. She’s discovered that God’s best
often waits behind the doors marked “Never.”

This is a first book for me by Beth, not my
last. I could not put it down, I enjoyed it so much. It was a fun fast
read.

Beth is sure to be an author you will be
waiting for her next book to come out and run out and buy because she is a great
story teller.

The characters come to life on each
page.

I can't wait to see what is next from Beth, she
is now on my list of must read authors.

I gave this book 4 stars

I was given a copy of this book by the
publisher for my honest
review.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

In Always the Baker, Never the Bride, readers fell in love
with Emma Raeand Jackson, and they’ve gotten more acquainted with them in
the two books that followed. But now it’s time for the diamond to meet the
road as Jackson fields an offerto sell The Tanglewood, a move that will
uproot this high-flying family act once and for all.Get reacquainted with
all of the lovable and quirky characters from the first three books as your
favorite diabetic baker figures out if she'll achieve her greatest goal of all:
Will Emma, at last, become FINALLY the Bride?

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles and, while
writing in every spare moment, worked as a personal assistant and publicist to
some of daytime television's hottest stars. Since then she has moved to Wesley
Chapel, Florida, and has written three novels for middle-grade readers and
several romance novels, including unWANTED: Husband, Change of Heart, Sins of
the Past, Wish I Weren't Here, Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas and The Big
5-0h! Visit Sandra at SandraDBricker.com or SandraDBricker.blogspot.com.

Well the final book in the Emma Rae Creation series is here. Emma
is finally walking down the aisle? Or is she? You will have to pick up a copy
and see if it finally happens. And you know Ms. Bricker has wrote another
humorous book for us.

This was a great ending to this series.

I love a book that can make me laugh and cry, if you do to then
this is a book for you.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding
series by best-selling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy
tale. Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a
princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't
going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer
breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. The last
thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simons
Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense
political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to
Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love. Their
lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's an ordinary girl. But
everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's
coronation. It's the ultimate choice: His kingdom or her heart? God's will or
their own?

Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of #1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller and RITA
finalist, The Wedding Dress, as well as the ACFW Book of the Year winner Sweet
Caroline, and RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle, and of the critically
acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans,
The Songbird Novels.

Her next release, Once Upon A Prince, which received
a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly, arrives in stores May 7th.

She
lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her
husband and their ornery pet.

Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from
Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

She is the
past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now serves on the
Executive Board. Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com to sign up for her
newsletter, read her blog, and to follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

I have and have read ALL of Rachel's books. They are all 5 star
books so when I got Once Upon a Prince to read and review I could not wait for
an afternoon to myself to enjoy it. I already knew that I would not be able to
put it down once I started reading it. I was right this 5 star book is one for
the books it is best described as a modern day fairy tale in my opinion you will
not read another book like this one.

I highly recommend this book and I gave it 5 stars.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest
review.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

When Meg
Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil
company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and
tenderhearted--more interested in art than in oil--she's forced to return home
to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father's
empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with?
Her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six
months to close the place down.

Bo's determined to resent the woman who's
decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a
profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs
to overcome every obstacle that separates them--her wealth, his unworthiness,
her family's outrage--and earn the right to love her.

But just when Meg
begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping,
their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their
love--and their belief that God can work through every
circumstance--survive?

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade
plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always
featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a
fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived
overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was
during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion
for writing. She published three historical romances with Avon Books, then put
her career on hold for several years to care for her kids, then recently
returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She felt led to move to the
genre of contemporary Christian romance and couldn't be more thrilled with it.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her
housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis,
hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching
TV with her husband.

Do you like Denise Hunter? Then you are going to LOVE Becky's
newest book Undeniably Yours. It was the best romance that I have read by a new
author in a long time. I fell in love with Bo, I have always wanted a man to
love me and protect me like Bo did Meg.

This story is about a person much like myself, Meg wants to help
others less fortunate then herself and in the end you will not believe what she
does with her house farm and her daddy's house.

I urge you to pick up a copy of this 5 star book and enjoy it. This
just might by the best summer romance book you read this summer.

I can't wait for Becky's next book. I hope that she does not make us wait to long!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

On June 19, 2001, Ryan Corbin, grandson of Pat Boone, accidently
stepped through a skylight and fell three stories onto a cement floor. When he
broke through that roof, Ryan fell into a very different life from the one he
had before as the beloved son of Lindy Boone Michaelis and first grandson of
entertainment icon Pat Boone. As Ryan lingered between life and death in
intensive care at UCLA Medical Center, Pat and Lindy decided to take action, in
a big way; they went on Larry King Live, shared their faith, and asked
millions of TV viewers to pray for Ryan. And so, they prayed. Heaven
Hears is an unbelievable story of answered prayer—and it’s not over yet.
This book will inspire you to look for answers to prayer and to see God’s
miracles.

Lindy Boone Michaelis was born into the entertainment business as the
second daughter of singer and entertainment icon Pat Boone. Along with her older
sister, Cherry, and two younger sisters, Debby, and Laury, Lindy sang with her
family in national and international singing tours from 1968 to 1977, including
a tour of Japan with the Osmond Family. The Boone Girls recorded several
Christian albums, including the Grammy award nominated "First Class." Lindy
lives in Southern California with her husband of 26 years, attorney Mike
Michaelis. She has three adult children: Ryan, Jessi, and Tyler. Lindy has
worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and group fitness
instructor. She also tours with a singing group called The New Chordettes,
performing songs with tight harmonies from the forties, fifties, and sixties. On
June 19, 2001, Lindy's life changed forever when her oldest son, Ryan Corbin,
stepped through a skylight on the roof of his apartment building and fell
several stories to a concrete floor. Ryan is still at home recovering from his
traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Lindy coordinates Ryan's care. In 2003, the
Boone family started a foundation called Ryan's Reach to help provide
information and resources for survivors of TBI and their families.

I am really not sure how to start this review. NO mother should
ever have to go though what Lindy went though let alone write about it. This had
to be the hardest book to write.

This book is about a mothers life that has been turned up-side down
but with the help of her family and her faith she never wavered from the good
Lord and his promise to heal.

I felt Lindy's pain on every page from her telling of her first
divorce to when the call came about her son Ryan's fall.

I also wished that I had the parents that Lindy writes about not
Pat Boone per say but the support that her parents gave her though out this
whole ordeal.

Lindy and her family know how to pray and stand on their
faith.

This book is a must read. I gave this book 5 stars two
times.

I highly recommend this book.

I was given a copy by the author for my review.

If you buy no other book that I review on this
blog this year PLEASE pick up a copy of this very touching
book.

All proceeds from the sale of "Heaven Hears"
will go to Ryan's Reach - an organization aiding brain-injured individuals and
their families.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Cody Miller's lifelong desire to serve and protect the country he loves is
a reality now, thanks to the Vietnam War. He has served honorably and well, and
he's about to be sent back to the States...along with the woman he loves. But
just as his dreams are about to come true, a tragedy strikes, giving him the
opportunity to protect an angel of mercy...but at great cost to himself. Cody
wakes up in a veterans' hospital believing that he has nothing left to live for.
With a cold and angry heart, his only wish is to ride into the Colorado
wilderness, never to be seen again. But Cody doesn't know that destiny is
following him in a way he doesn't expect. Will it reach him in time? Annie is a
deftly plotted, richly characterized novel that illuminates the physical and
emotional realities of war with vividness and compassion to create a deeply
satisfying story.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Jake Wilkerson, a disillusioned young pastor who is an expert at
hiding his fears, takes on a new assignment at a small rural church in
Coudersport, Pennsylvania--which is a far piece from anywhere and full of
curiously odd and eccentric people. His first day on the job, he is adopted by
Petey--a cat of unknown origins and breed--but a very sentient cat who believes
that he is on a mission from God to redeem Jake and bring him back to the truth.
Jake must confront his doubts early on when he meets Emma Grainger, a single
woman and a veterinarian who dismisses all Christians as "those people." Then,
Tassy, a young runaway with a secret, arrives at the door of the church looking
for a place of refuge. How does Jake deal with this runaway and his interest in
Dr. Grainger? More importantly, can Jake rekindle his faith? Petey does his best
to lead all people to the truth, in a most subtle and feline way.

Jim Kraus is a longtime writer and editor who has authored or co-authored
more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction. His best-selling humor book,
Bloopers, Blunders, Jokes, Quips, and Quotes, was published by Tyndale House
Publishers, sold more than 40,000 copies and inspired several spin-off books.
Jim, and his wife, novelist Terri Kraus, and one son, live in the Chicago
area.Also residing with them is a sweet and gentle miniature schnauzer named
Rufus. Coincidently, Rufus is also the name of the dog in Jim's latest book, The
Dog That Talked to God. "What a coincidence," Jim said. "What are the odds of
that happening?" They also share space with an ill-tempered Siberian cat named
Petey.Jim recently was awarded a Master of Writing Arts degree from DePaul
University. "Now, I am able to write more better," Jim said. (Yes, that is
supposed to be humorous.) Passionate about writing, Jim loves to create
true-to-life characters. "I tend to be the one at the party that is on the edge
of things--observing how folks act and react. Plus, I'm not that crazy about
people in general--so it works out fine." (Again, it's supposed to be
funny.)The idea of the last book came from Jim's twice-daily walks with his
dog, Rufus. "I tend to think through problems as we walk, and I sometimes,
softly, pose questions to the noble dog Rufus. And if he could, he would answer
them. I know he wants to. Sometimes I give his answers a voice. And I imagined
that most pet-owners do the same thing. The idea of a talking dog didn't seem so
far-fetched. And the story grew from there."

I read and loved Jim's first book The Dog that Talked to God. I
have to tell you I am a dog lover not so much for cats. You do NOT have to be a
cat lover to love this book on forgiveness, love, and redemption.

You are sure to fall in love with Petey the stray cat while you are
reading this book.

It is book that you will not soon forget after you have read
it.

I really enjoyed this book. I give this book 4 stars, and recommend
it to all my book lover friends.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

When the biological father of Jessica MacAllister’s son decides to
break their custody agreement, Jessica and her son visit her Uncle George for
advice and refuge…

Following a year of grief, Evelyn Sweeney is finally
ready to move on. Pondering her new path in life, her mind drifts to her first
love, George MacAllister…

When the lives of these two women cross, they
discover that one heart-shaped ring binds their stories together. But will the
results be a rekindled faith and new hope, or will it lead them both back into
the darkness they’ve fought for so long?

Sherry Kyle is a graduate of Biola University
with a degree in Communications. She is a freelance writer and a small group
leader for her church. Her book for tween girls titled The Christian Girl’s
Guide to Style released from Legacy Press in 2009. Her debut fiction novel,
Delivered with Love was released by Abingdon Press in 2011. Sherry
maintains an active membership in the Christian Writers Fellowship
International, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Adoption Writers. She is
also a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature.Sherry has four
children, three homegrown and one by adoption, between the ages of 9 and 15.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys jazz concerts with her husband, Douglas,
watching movies, and spending time with her family in central California. Visit
her at www.sherrykyle.com.

Sherry has wrote a story to pull at your
heartstrings and one that you will not be able to put down.

This was a fantastic book. The whole book
from page one was so good, I really enjoyed the ending. I love a happy ending! I
can not wait to see what Sherry writes next, she is super talented.

Monday, May 13, 2013

When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife sets off
for home after a conference, he has no idea that his life is about to change
forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised that Jill’s car
isn’t in the garage. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile.
“Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up
something for dinner. Love you.” Hours later, Jill still hasn’t returned, and
Mitch’s irritation turns to dread.

When the police come up empty, Mitch enlists
the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, to help
search. As hours turn into days and days into weeks, Mitch and Shelley’s
friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly more complicated. Every lead seems to
be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman
who has seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth.

I went from full-time stay-at-home mom for 20 years to
pretty much full-time author. My passion is my family-my husband and I have been
married for 38 years and have four kids, and four darling grandkids! But since,
if a mom does her job right, she eventually puts herself OUT of a job, I'm
delighted to have the privilege of working as a novelist. I absolutely love the
writing life.

I've had a couple of non-fiction books published and
contributed to some anthologies, as well as writing magazine articles. But my
first love is fiction. I have written more than 25 novels and am now working on
a new book for Howard/Simon & Schuster. A typical writing day begins
early-often before 6 a.m.-with the business side of things: answering e-mail and
reader mail, updating my Web site, reading for research. We're new empty-nesters
so our routine is much quieter than it was when we had four kids at home. When
my writing time begins, I have a routine that sets the stage, starting with
lighting scented candles, choosing mood music on Pandora, and brewing a pot of
coffee. Lately I've been enjoying coffee our son sent me from Germany. I have a
cozy office that looks out over our front yard where I can watch for the UPS man
and the mailman. But since I write on a laptop, I often take my computer to the
kitchen counter or a chair by the fireplace, or, if the weather is nice, out on
the deck where my feline friend keeps me company. I try to wrap up the day's
words (usually 1000-1500 a day) by dinnertime.

Believe it or not, my
first choice of activities for the evening is READING-a great novel, of course!
As much as I enjoy the actual process of writing, I am an extrovert by nature,
and doubt I'd last long in this business were it not for the company of several
wonderful online writers' groups, the joy of connecting with other authors at
retreats and conventions, and meeting aspiring writers when I teach at
conferences around the country.

Probably the most exciting event in my
writing life so far was when my first novel was made into a film by World Wide
Pictures. Certainly a dream come true! I believe writing is a calling from God
on my life-one I've felt since I was a twelve-year-old girl-and I feel blessed
beyond words to have answered that call.

Deborah has done it again only this time I could not put the book down at all I
had to find out where Jill was and if she was alive.

This is a fantastic book and a real page tuner.
I just don't know how Deborah does it but each book gets better and
better.

This book has a mystery and it has some
romance. I just loved the ending also.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

When Alexandra Kuykendall became a mother it was the beginning of a
soul-searching journey that took her into her past and made her question
everything she'd experienced--and a lot of what she hadn't. The only daughter of
a single, world-traveling mother and an absent artist father, Alexandra shares
her unique quest to answer universal questions: Am I lovable? Am I loved? Am I
loving?

In short, moving episodes, Alexandra transports readers into a
life that included a childhood in Europe, a spiritual conversion marked more by
questions than answers, a courtship in the midst of a call to be with troubled
teens, marriage and motherhood--and always, always, the question of identity.
Through her personal journey, women will discover their own path to
understanding the shape of their lives and a deeper sense of God's intimate
presence within it.

Alexandra Kuykendall is on staff at MOPS International
(Mothers of Preschoolers) where she encourages mothers of young children to keep
growing as they take on their new mothering identity. She is a regular
contributor and consulting editor to MomSense magazine,
Connections magazine, and the MOPS blog. A frequent speaker for MOPS,
Alexandra has been featured on Good Morning America. As the mother of
four young children, she continues to refine her mothering identity. She lives
in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Derek, and their daughters.

What a wonderful story of GRACE! I really enjoyed this memoir and I
think it will be one that I read again in the future.

For all of you who are saying well I only enjoy reading fiction, I
am a fiction girl at heart as well but this was a very touching story of grace
that you should not pass up. I learned a lot from reading this book, in fact
once I stared reading it I could not put it down.

Friday, May 10, 2013

What’s it like when the man you married is already married to God?
asks Pastors’ Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true
first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside.

Lisa
Takeuchi Cullen’s debut novel Pastors’ Wives follows three women whose
lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie
follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of
Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called
Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a
crisis of faith—in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf’s
“First Lady,” a force of nature who’ll stop at nothing to protect her church and
her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace’s son, struggles to play
dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads
collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by
Cullen’s reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine, Pastors’
Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors’ wives, caught
between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen was a longtime staff writer for TIME magazine.
She now develops television pilots for production companies. Born in Japan,
Cullen lives in New Jersey with family. This is her first novel.

This is just my opinion
please don't send me e-mails yelling at me about this review. This book was not
my cup of tea.

I could not wait to read this book but let me tell you, I did not
enjoy it at all. one it has bad language in it, two it was all over the place,
this was a book I could not tell you what was happening with the three wives of
the pastors from one chapter to the next. I like a book that holds my
attention.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and
stories are shared.

Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her
husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older
brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return
to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his
affairs.

Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated
from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her
uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local
cemetery.

It isn't long before Rachel has two men -- a
handsome CPA and the youth pastor -- seriously vying for her attention. At the
same time, Lynn's attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left
behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield
mystery.

As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel
must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face
unexpected issues from her own past.

Kathi Macias is a multiple award-winning novelist and was named 2011
Author of the Year at BooksAndAuthors.net. A popular speaker at churches,
women's clubs and retreats, and writer's conferences, Kathi lives with her
husband in Homeland, California.

Well folks Kathi has done it again, she hit the ball out of the
park with her latest book. This is not a book that you would think Kathi would
write, it is different then her other books. Kathi writes so that you keep on
turning the pages and before you know it the book has come to an end. Her books
end way to fast for me.

You are sure to love the characters and the mystery with a little
romance on the side that fill the pages of Last Chance for Justice. I really
enjoyed Rachel.

Monday, May 6, 2013

In Extreme Cruelty I, August Moore finds himself divorced and lonely. A budding online romance with a woman named Crystal reignites his lust for life. She is everything he wants—beautiful, professional, and willing to explore the adventurous side of life. The only problem is that her job places her thousands of miles away, and for months their plans to meet are mysteriously thwarted. In a state of love-induced naïveté, August is willing to go to outrageous lengths for the woman he loves. Discovering that she comes as a “package deal” with her best friend Cheyenne, August becomes entangled in a web of duplicity and compromised values. Blinded by his new-found love, he is led down a path that yields bizarre experiences with nearly every step. Before long, August is surrounded by death and unexplained phenomenon. At the end of the path, Crystal is not all that she seems… Extreme Cruelty II picks up where Extreme Cruelty I left off, continuing through the labyrinth of lies and cruelty that August Moore endured at the hands of a crafty con-artist and a cast of characters too real to ignore. Find out what happens to the precious twins and discover the truth about the woman he loved as well as the woman he married. For August, what began as a dream come true, a love that filled his heart with joy, became a web of deceit that would destroy the heart of weaker men. However, with guidance from the Hand of God, August was able to unravel the lies and expose the truth, proving that truth really is stranger than fiction, and if you trust in God, He'll lead you through your darkest hour and bring you safely back to the comfort of His everlasting arms. A true-crime story of love, deception, and redemption, Extreme Cruelty II serves as a warning that professional con artists are actively seeking to take advantage of those who are vulnerable and willing to compromise their entire lives for the sake of love.

August Moore was born under a different name, during an age of innocence and trust, before the dark hour of reason grew… before Extreme Cruelty changed everything. As an air force brat, August traveled extensively during his childhood, including Japan and the Republic of China (Taiwan), where his father met and married a beautiful Chinese woman. Growing up in Taiwan with an integrated family was a mixed blessing of sorts. The the people and culture of Taiwan as a whole was a fascinating experience. Before long, August was speaking just enough mandarin to be misunderstood, struggling with their tonal language, but beginning to feel more Chinese than American on the inside. He didn’t realize it at the time, but he had become a Third Culture kid. The only English speaking school in the area was a private missionary school, supported by a variety of mission groups. The students were a mixture of missionary, U.S. military, U.S. Defense contractors, and international business students. In addition, there was also a small contingent of Norwegian and Finnish students. The school was a true melting pot of the world. Many are still close friends. August playfully refers to them as the Chinese Connection. Just as his father had, August joined the military service at age eighteen. Returning to the U.S. after living overseas for nearly ten years straight was awkward. He felt like a foreigner in his own country. Home was on the other side of the planet. However, August excelled in the service, rising through the ranks fairly quickly. He enjoyed a wide variety of assignments, especially Germany and Korea. The gruesome sights he experienced growing up in Taiwan prepared him what he would encounter during the Gulf War, among other conflicts. August eventually reaches the top enlisted rank, matching that of his father. Unfortunately, his father was too ill with cancer to attend the final promotion ceremony. In addition, military life is difficult on families. Divorce rates are high, and August suffered the same fate. After serving nearly three decades, he decided it was time to retire. Divorced and lonely, August eventually goes in search of love, only to encounter Extreme Cruelty. August has conducted multiple presentations on a variety of topics to large numbers of individuals at conferences, meetings, and private organizations during his many military assignments and since retiring from the service. He enjoys traveling and meeting new people.

Well you all have been waiting for it and it is finally here the sequel to Extreme Cruelty.

I can not put into words how well written these two books are. August has a way with words. I have never read self published books that are so well written before in my life.

The story is a very hard one to read much less tell. I still find myself thinking about these books after reading them months ago.

The warning of what happens when you look for love in the wrong place is a story everyone needs to read.

I hope that you will pick up a copy for you and one for someone you love that is looking for love online and share it with them as well, or just some one who loves true crime books.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Book 4 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial
novel. New York Times Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter weaves a
compelling love story brilliantly mingled with an unexpected twist. In part four
of The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga, it’s only been a few months since
Meredith Stoltzfus lost her husband, Luke. Does she dare accept help from her
friend Jonah? Meanwhile, as a young, nameless man heals, his mind grasps at
every image that flits across his memory, desperately trying to recall his
former life. . . .

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance
novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life.
She is the author of almost 50 books with more than 5 million copies sold. Many
of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York
Times, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the
founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national
publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination
with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up
in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler
life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many
Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased
when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the
Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research
intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are
well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper
understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction
to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to
honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her
Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity,
and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that
plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart
in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information,
visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

I have to say that I have really enjoyed Wanda's new series The
Discovery, The latest book The pieces of Summer which is book 4 left me hanging
wanting more. I want Luke to come home to Meredith so bad. Does he? You will
have to read the series to find out.

Wanda knew just when to end each of these short books. She did it
in such away that you are left wanting more so bad.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Anne Rockford has it all. A handsome husband, a secure marriage, and three wonderful teenage children. But her world tumbles into a nightmare of secrets and lies when she receives a shocking letter: Anne's husband, a popular and respected professor of Romantic Poetry of the 19th century, has seduced not only her best friend but numerous other young women. In the aftermath of this appalling discovery, lives are lost, reputations are ruined, and Anne's own life is threatened. On the coast of California, Anne gathers, tumbles, and polishes beach rocks-one of her hobbies-and muses that, like the rocks crashing into each other in the tumbling drum, some people come out of the process of life's buffeting cracked open by hidden pressures. Others are chipped at the edges, leaving raw surfaces, and still others turn out as clear and lovely as gemstones. Along Anne's painful journey of discovery and healing-as she learns the stories of the damaged women and gains unexpected champions-she encounters all three kinds. Tumbling Stones is the compelling story of a woman who finds the strength to reclaim her life-and her self-worth-after a shattering betrayal. In the aftermath of this appalling discovery, lives are lost, reputations are ruined, and Anne's own life is threatened.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Women increasingly find themselves pulled in
many directions, striving to balance the needs of others with the need to
nurture themselves. This pull is often exhausting and, sometimes, can lead to
resentment or burn-out. So how do we manage our work and family and faith and
ministry lives if we aren’t able to take care of ourselves as we also take care
of others?Renewed helps
women understand the need to put themselves on “the list.” Through practical
ideas and relatable anecdotes, readers can better understand their strengths and
their passions—and address some of the underlying struggles or hurts that make
them want to keep busy or minister to others to the detriment of themselves.
Renewed can help nurture those areas of women’s lives to use them better
for work, family, and service. It gives readers permission to examine where they
spend their energy and time, and learn to set limits and listen to “that inner
voice.”

I'm Lucille. I used to hate my name when I was little,
but now I love it. My name means "bringer of light." My hope is that I leave all
those I meet with a touch of light and hope.

Sometimes I get caught up in
trying to leave a legacy but as Rich Mullins, one of my favorite musicians,
said:

"If my life is motivated by an ambition to leave a legacy, what I
would probably leave is a legacy of ambition. But, if my life is motivated by
the power of God's spirit in me and the awareness of the indwelling Christ, if
I allow His presence to guide my motives, that's the only time I think we
really leave a great legacy."

Helping hurting people is the desire of my
life.

I love people. I once heard a quote: "Ah, at depth everyone is
beautiful." Being a wounded healer is a holy privilege that I don't take
lightly. I am honored by the risk clients take to put their faith in me. They
share the deepest parts of their lives and that is unbelievably cool. I am
continually astounded by their courage, hard work, and growth.

Mostly I
am a student. My clients teach me every day. I am passionate about learning so I
continually read and listen to books on CD in my car, and pod casts when I walk
or jog.

I teach psychology and counseling courses at Colorado Christian
University as an affiliate faculty member. I'm not a detail person. That's why I
don't write computer programs or teach math. I am silly and sensitive. I find
two of the strongest ways to bond with my clients are through laughter and
tears.

WoW, what an inspirational book. This will make
a wonderful Mother's Day gift for that special lady in your
life.

This is not your everyday self help book. When
I say this is a book that you will read more then once and will share it with
everyone of your friends and family I don't say it lightly. This is a 5 star
book that will stay on my book shelf.

Thank YOU!

I would like to take this time to thank all of the authors who have sent me books to read and review and given away books to very lucky winners on my blog. My mother always told me you can never say thank you enough. So THANK YOU all very much!
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I am an amateur blogger. I don't get paid to write this blog. For the purposes of FTC compliance: Please note that I am not a bought and paid for pawn of the publishing industry. I don't have a vested financial interest in any book, CD or movie mentioned on this blog.
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About Me

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life I LOVE to get away in a super book. I love to cook and bake and spend time with my friends. I have the best Yorkies in the world, they love to lay with me while I am reading. The Lord is everything to me.I have an awesome husband! A small fact about me: I never leave home without a book!
Come on in and sit down with me and lets talk about books and have a virtual cup of tea together.